North Down MP Alex Easton has called on the Education Minister to address shortages of special educational needs places in the borough.

Easton raised the issue after a Bangor mother was offered only one specialist place for her four-year-old twin sons.

The Education Authority suggested sending the boys to a school in Belfast, but the family said the distance would not work given the children's communication, emotional and behavioural needs.

Easton said families in North Down and Ards are being failed by a system struggling with demand and that parents should not have to consider sending children unreasonable distances.

He also raised concerns about waiting times of two to three years for autism and ADHD assessments at the Scrabo Centre in Newtownards.

Easton called for immediate action by the Education Authority and the Department of Education to increase local SEN capacity and reduce assessment delays.

He said every child deserves access to appropriate education within a reasonable distance from home.